Balk?

[jesmael]

Runner on first, Right handed pitcher starts in the windup position. Steps back with Right foot and moves hands as if going to deliver a pitch. Spins and throws to 2nd as runner steals. This seems like the pitcher is deceiving the runner and should be a balk? how does it sound to you guys. (13-14 year olds)

[Dave Hensley]

Originally posted by jesmael
Runner on first, Right handed pitcher starts in the windup position. Steps back with Right foot and moves hands as if going to deliver a pitch. Spins and throws to 2nd as runner steals. This seems like the pitcher is deceiving the runner and should be a balk? how does it sound to you guys. (13-14 year olds)

Yes, it is a balk, the key phrase in your description being "and moves hands as if going to deliver a pitch." That's what makes his disengagement illegal, and a balk.

[DG]

I had one of these yesterday. I called a balk.

[Daryl H. Long]

Dave,

You have the right ruling (BALK) and partially identified the key (simulating a pitch). However, that last sentence is totally wrong.

The pitcher disengaged LEGALLY with pivot foot (right foot for right hand pitcher).

Therefore, this is ruled a balk because the pitcher simulated a pitch while NOT IN CONTACT with the pitcher's plate (NF rule 6-2-5).

[mbyron]

Originally posted by Daryl H. Long

The pitcher disengaged LEGALLY with pivot foot (right foot for right hand pitcher).

Wrong: as I read the case, the pitcher stepped off WHILE moving his hands. That is not a legal disengagement.

[jicecone]

Gentlemen, whether he stepped off legally or illegally, he began his moton to pitch to the plate and did not continue. Thats a balk, and it just doesn't matter afterwards.